starter wont engage

[bigdtbone]

we are riding around for about 2 hrs . stop and started motor a few times during this time . we are pulling a tube around. We stopped for a few minutes and then moter wont turn over . silinode would click and make noise . I jumped the silinode and still the same . we had to beg a tow off of some kind person. A few hrs later i tried to start it again and it spun the started like nothings wrong and fired right up . anybody have any ideas ? motor is a 1996 johnson 150 saltwater oh yea right before we killed the motor we hit a large wave that jared every one and every thing on the boat . Not sure if this had anything to do with it. also all electrical on boat still worked including tilt and trim.

[Sully4755]

I am having the same problem with my 1989. 225 hp johnson. I replaced starter and solenoid and new ignition switch. It stil spins starter but bendix does not engage. Pulled boat out of water and took home to work on and it starts right up.Post on starter where cable from solenoid attaches to is a little loose.I did put a rebuilt starter on it last year so my next move is to try another starter.

[boats.net]

If you jumped the starter solenoid and the starter motor still would not turn over, I would say you need to change the starter.

[kh0432]

First thing to check is if you have a charging problem. The only thing that engages the starter drive is the torque of the starter when it first spins. If the battery is low, the starter will spin too slowly for the drive to engage the flywheel. A good battery will rejuvinate somewhat when it sits which would explain why it starts when you get home. Check the gravity of the acid in the battery and the charging voltage when the engine is running. It should be around 14 volts. Another common problem is the drive will slip when the internal rubber bushing fails. If this is the case, you will see that the drive is engaged to the flywheel and the starter is turning but the flywheel is not. Keith

[thadbake]

check brushes in starter

I recently had the same problem with my 95 150hp faststrike starter. Pull the starter and take apart and inspect the brushes. if worn down you can order the kit and replace. Clean the starter with compressed air only.